Clarissa Vaughan (The Hours)

Clarissa Vaughan is a central character in the 2002 film "The Hours," directed by Stephen Daldry and based on Michael Cunningham's novel. Set in contemporary New York City in 2001, Clarissa is a successful editor living with her partner, Sally. She is preparing to host a party to celebrate her close friend and former lover, Richard Brown, a poet who is in the late stages of AIDS. Throughout the film, Clarissa grapples with her past, her relationships, and the meaning of her life. Clarissa is empathetic and caring, especially towards Richard, whom she affectionately calls "Mrs. Dalloway" after Virginia Woolf's character. She is reflective and introspective, often thinking about her life choices and the paths not taken. Clarissa feels a strong sense of responsibility towards those she loves, often putting their needs before her own. She experiences a range of emotions, from joy and love to sadness and regret, reflecting the complexity of her character. Her life is intertwined with literature, particularly Virginia Woolf's "Mrs. Dalloway," which influences her thoughts and actions.